Expert laments insecurity in Cross River, seeks Ayade’s resignation

Worried by the worsening security situation exacerbated by incessant kidnappings in Cross River State, a United States (U.S.)-based Sheriff Investigator and Law Enforcement Expert, Felix Asuquo, has asked Governor Benedict Ayade to urgently address the situation or resign.

The Guardian recalled that the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Senatorial Southern Assembly (CRSSDA) and other groups had expressed similar concerns.

Otu had advised Ayade to step down and learn more about governance while the NMA on November 4, 2020 declared an indefinite strike, which entered day 20 yesterday insisting the state government should improve security and check kidnapping of doctors and other prominent indigenes of the state.

Asuquo made the call in a letter addressed to Governor Ayade titled: “Do Your Job As Governor Or Resign Immediately,” and made available to newsmen in Calabar yesterday.

“As a Cross River indigene in the Diaspora, it is expedient that I write you ahead of the Yuletide season, because indigenes of Cross River will be celebrating Christmas in fear for the first time,” the letter reads.

He lamented that this year has been very challenging for the people of Cross River, adding that the challenges were worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, being denied palliatives and insecurity in the state.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I have attached a list of victims who have been kidnaped under your administration. The security situation in the state has become so bad that even ordinary peasant street traders, small business owners, and farmers are being kidnapped,” he said.

Asuquo urged the governor to immediately rise up to his responsibilities as Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state, accept his incompetence and resign as governor with immediate effect.

“Dear Governor Ayade, it is your duty to restore Cross River State to its former glory. The people need a capital city that we can all return to and a state with quality amenities where we can live in and be their best peacefully,” he added.

Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, in a telephone interview on security, exonerated Ayade from any blame over the security situation and crisis in the state.

“This is what frustrates me about Cross River. When it happened in Lagos was Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu not having security meetings, when it happened in 17 states in the south, were the governors not holding security meetings? Let’s stop this cheap politicking,” he stated.